Manila, April 25 -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted an exemption for the Department of Agriculture's (DA) PHP20-per-kg. rice project from the election ban under Section 261 (V) of the Omnibus Election Code.

The exemption is in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 11060, as amended by Resolution No. 11118, according to the memorandum signed by Comelec Chair George Garcia issued Friday.

The memorandum stated that the commission approved the request of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to exempt the rice initiative, which supports the DA's ongoing field operations and rice programs.

"By virtue of the authority granted under the said resolutions, the recommendation of the Law Department is hereby approved,"...